Inquests
DEATH FROM GAS FUMES.
When Hilda Ward, a printer employed at tho office of the Tablet Company, Filleul street, entered the building at 7.45 a.m. yesterday, she was horrified to find behind the closed door of the lunch room the body of a fellow-employee, Henry Temple.
Temple, a young man, 23 years of age, who resided with his mother at 76 Stafford street, was unmarried, and had been in the employ of the Tablet Company for the past nine years.
Death was caused by the fumes of gas, and the unlighted gas stove, with the taps fully turned on, was found beside the body.
During the morning an inquest was opened before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., as coroner. Sergeant Dunlop represented the police.
John Patrick Walls, manager of the Tablet, after giving evidence of identification, said that the deceased frequently worked overtime at the office on Saturday afternoons or evenings. On Saturday morning he seemed in bright spirits and was working as usual. To the knowledge of the witness, the deceased had no worries, financial or otherwise. There was a gas stove in the room where the body was found.
In answer to questions, witness said that the room was ventilated by a swinging window or by the door when it was open. The stove usually stood on a bench some feet above the level of the door, but when the body of the deceased was discovered the stove was on the floor. The deceased had never shown signs of drink while at work, but it was possible that he might have turned on the gas and been overcome by the fumes if he had been under the influence of liquor. He had given no indication of any intention to commit suicide.
Hilda Ward stated that she had entered the lunch room ns usual on her arrival at the office. The door was shut, but not locked, and on entering she saw deceased lying on the floor beneath the window. The window was slightly open, and the young man was lying on his back with a chair close to his head. The gas stove was on the floor beside him, and the gas was turned fully on. There was no signs of any struggle.
The inquest was adjourned sine die. -Otago Daily Times, 10/5/1927.
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